Uc300

[JAZZCNC]

Does Centroid, or any controller work straight out the box with no programming or configuration?
FWIW, for CSS and rigid tapping, examples are provided, and there are instructions on how to configure the software, along with example G-code.

Obviously, that depends on the machine in question. Configuration yes certainly every machine needs to be configured for it to work. But basic's like CSS and Ridgid tapping shouldn't require programming skills. Even providing examples isn't acceptable IMO it should be implemented as standard, esp for Lathe.

As I've previously admitted, it's never going to be the easiest of controllers to setup, as it's that versatile, but I certainly don't go around telling others it's what they should use while failing to mention it's shortfalls.

For Lathe, it doesn't really have any shortfalls, which is what Chaz asked about. So I have no problem recommending this controller/software.

The only other thing possibly is only having 16 x I/O but for Lathe, this is enough. For more industrial Lathe setup yes wouldn't be enough but it's not sold as an industrial controller. They have more expensive (stupidly expensive) ones for those machines.
Same goes for Mill really, Software is rock stable and works out the box for any DIY Mill. For more advanced Mill with advanced ATC etc then yes limited I/O isn't ideal but like said before there's ways around this.

The only area it lacks in is having layout and setup which doesn't suit Routers, which is not where centroid have lots of experience. However, this being worked on as we speak, by them and me. Which takes me to your next point.

Out of curiosity, how are you getting on with Centroid PLC Ladder? And will you be brushing up on Python for the new CS-Labs software?

PLC Ladder isn't the most intuitive language I agree but it's not rocket science either. Like I said above the Router setup isn't great and at the moment the way it handles tool changes doesn't suit routers at all. However, after only a few nights familiarising my self with Centroids PLC/Macros and ways of working I now have Macro which sets it up to work exactly has would like. And trust me I'm no programmer so can't be that hard.

Edit: Also just to big up Centroid guys. After only asking one time on the forum within 3 days they provided two working macros to suit routers tool changing. They didn't suit what i wanted but do many others and I'm sure if I've asked they would have provided one for what I wanted but by then I'd already made my own.

Regards Python then I've used this before so holds no worries for me.

We could argue about this all day, but the reality is, with any controller on any non-basic machine, you need to learn or at least understand the basics of some form of programming.

I agree for more advanced setups but for basic Lathe or Mill or Router then No you shouldn't need to know any programming IMO.